Modular shelf management gravity feed system

ABSTRACT

A modular shelf management system comprising a plurality of side panels, a lower panel, and a rail assembly. The lower panel connects the adjacently disposed side panels so that a cell is provided between the panels. The lower panel has a front end and a back end and is sloped in a direction from the back end to the front end. The back end of the lower panel is configured to receive product containers. The rail assembly is disposed in the cell for defining a travel path and includes a first rail and a second rail spatially disposed in a face-to-face relationship to one another. Each rail has a first end and a second end, and is sloped in a direction from the first end to the second end.

BACKGROUND

Product presentation within stores is vital to the marketing and selling of a product line. Manufacturers spend time designing and creating marketing labels for products for customer appeal. Disorganization on a shelf, however, may hinder such marketing tactics as customers may miss the intended marketing label for the product. For example, product containers stacked on shelves may fall over, their labels may be turned around, or disorganization of the product may be displeasing to the eye.

Further, rotation of the product on the shelf is needed to maintain a high quality product with minimal waste. Food rotation systems generally try to provide a first-in, first-out rotation method. Within the industry, the majority of food rotation systems use rolling, cylindrical type containers (e.g., soup cans, soda cans). Other types of packaging containers (e.g., boxed cereal, infant puree container) may benefit from a first-in, first-out rotation method.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for shelf management systems that provide organization on a shelf and that are designed for first-in, first-out rotation. It is to such systems, compositions used therein, and kits containing same, along with a range of products for use in the systems, as well as methods of making and using same, that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the same of similar element or function. Implementations of the disclosure may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, schematics, and drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system having a single cell and two tiers with multiple containers positioned therein in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system having multiple cells with multiple containers positioned therein in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the modular shelf management system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the modular shelf management system taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the modular shelf management system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular shelf management system taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the modular shelf management system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system having a rail assembly with a roller system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front end view of another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system having multiple containers positioned therein in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 if a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system having a single tier and a single cell with multiple containers positioned therein in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements or steps is not necessarily limited to only those elements or steps and may include other elements, steps, or features not expressly listed or inherently present therein.

Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. This description should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Throughout this disclosure and the claims, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are intended to signify that the item being qualified is not limited to the exact value specified, but includes some slight variations or deviations therefrom, caused by measuring error, manufacturing tolerances, stress exerted on various parts, wear and tear, or combinations thereof, for example.

The use of the term “at least one” will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to each of, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, and all integers there between. The term “at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the quantities of 100/1000 are not to be considered limiting, as higher limits may also produce satisfactory results. Singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular unless indicated otherwise.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and/or combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, although the inventive concepts disclosed herein are intended to encompass all combinations and permutations including one or more of the features of the embodiments described herein.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is an exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The modular shelf management system 10 includes a first side panel 12 and a second side panel 14 and at least one connector member 16 configured to connect the first side panel 12 to the second side panel 14. Connection of the first side panel 12 to the second side panel 14 provides the modular shelf management system 10 with a cell 18. The cell 18 is sized and configured to store a plurality of objects, such as infant puree containers 20, which may be selectively dispensed therefrom. Each cell 18 may include one or more tiers 22. For example, in FIG. 1, the modular shelf management system 10 includes the cell 18 with two tiers 22 a and 22 b.

In some embodiments, the modular shelf management system 10 may increase storage and dispensing by increasing the number of cells 18 by addition and interconnection of additional first and second side panels 12 and 14. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary modular shelf management system 10 a having multiple cells 18 a-18 f. Although FIG. 2 illustrates the use of six cells 18 a-18 f, it should be apparent that any number of cells 18 may be used to form the modular shelf management system 10 a in accordance with the present disclosure. Additionally, although FIG. 2 illustrates the size and configuration of each cell 18 a-18 f as substantially similar, each cell 18 a-18 f may be sized and configured to store a specific object wherein one or more of the cells 18 a-18 f may include different sizes and configurations based on use.

Generally, the design of the modular shelf management system 10 enables rear loading of objects (e.g., containers 20), providing a first-in, first-out rotation. Multiple containers 20 may be aligned and facing forward such that a brand message of the container 20 may be showcased. As a shopper selects the container 20, remaining containers 20 move forward to a front facing position within the modular shelf management system 10.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 3-6, the construction of each cell 18 of the modular shelf management system 10 will be described in more detail. Generally, the first side panel 12 and the second side panel 14 may be fabricated of any type of material having sufficient structural integrity to permit a plurality of containers 20 to be stored in the modular shelf management system 10.

The first side panel 12 includes an exterior side 24, an interior side 26, a front end 28, and a back end 30. Similarly, the second side panel 14 includes an exterior side 32, an interior side 34, a front end 36, and a back end 38. The first side panel 12 is spatially disposed relative to the second side panel 14, and each panel 12 and 14 is connected to one another with the connector member 16 such that the cell 18 is formed.

The connector member 16 is configured to connect the adjacently disposed first and second side panels 12 and 14 such that the cell 18 is provided between each of the adjacently disposed first and second side panels 12 and 14. In one embodiment, the connector member 16 is a panel 39 that includes an exterior side 40, an interior side 42, a front end 44, and a back end 46. The panel 39 is connectable to the first and second side panels 12 and 14. It will be appreciated that the panel 39 may be connected to the side panels 12 and 14 in a variety of ways. For example, the panel 39 and the side panels 12 and 14 may be provided with corresponding connectors. In one embodiment, the panel 39 may be provided with tabs or pins configured to lockingly mate with corresponding holes of the side panels. In another embodiment, the panel 39 may be configured to sliding engage with the side panels 12 and 14.

The panel 39 may have an upper surface sloped in a direction from the back end 46 to the front end 44. In some embodiments, the slope of the panel 39 from the back end 46 to the front end 44 may be at an angle Θ of 2 or more degrees from horizontal, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In another embodiment, the connector member 16 may be a plurality of pins (not shown) matable with and extending between the first and second side panels 12 and 14. The pins secure the first side panel 12 to the second side panel 16. Further, the connection of the pins to the first and second side panels 12 and 14 defines the width of the cell 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, the modular shelf management system 10 may be provided with one or more rail assemblies 48. The rail assembly 48 may be disposed in each cell 18 for defining a travel path for the product container 20. In systems 10 having multiple tiers 22, multiple rail assemblies may be provided for each tier 22. For example, in FIG. 1, tier 22 a includes rail assembly 48 a, and tier 22 b includes rail assembly 48 b.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the rail assembly 48 a includes a first rail 50 and a second rail 52 spatially disposed in a parallel relationship to one another. The first rail 50 is connected to the first side panel 12 extending from the exterior side 24 to the interior side 26 of the first side panel 12 such that the first rail 50 extends inwardly into the cell 18 and outwardly into the exterior environment. Similarly, the second rail 52 is connected to the second side panel 14 from the exterior side 32 to the interior side 34 of the second side panel 14 such that the second rail 52 extends inwardly into the cell 18 and outwardly into the exterior environment. In some embodiments, each rail 50 and 52 may solely extend inwardly into the cell 18.

The first rail 50 includes a front end 54 and a back end 56 sloped in a direction from the back end 56 to the front end 54. Similarly, the second rail 52 includes a front end 58 and a back end 60 sloped in a direction from the back end 60 to the front end 58. In some embodiments, the slope of the first rail 50 and/or the second rail 52 may be at an angle of approximately 2 or more degrees from horizontal similar to the slope of the angle Θ of the lower panel 16, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

In some embodiments, a portion of the first rail 50 and/or the second rail 52 may include a sloped portion 62 and a level portion 64. For example, in FIG. 1, the second rail 52 includes the level portion 62 (e.g., level with horizontal) towards the front end 58 of the rail assembly 48 a with the sloped portion 64 extending from the level portion 62 to the back end 60 of the rail assembly 48 a.

Similar to the rail assembly 48 a, the rail assembly 48 b includes a first rail 66 and a second rail 68 spatially disposed in a parallel relationship to one another. The first rail 66 is connected to the first side panel 12 extending from the exterior side 24 to the interior side 26 of the first side panel 12 such that the first rail 66 extends inwardly into the cell 18 and outwardly into the exterior environment. Similar to the first rail 66, the second rail 68 is connected to the second side panel 14 from the exterior side 32 to the interior side 34 of the second side panel 14 such that the second rail 68 extends inwardly into the cell 18 and outwardly into the exterior environment. In some embodiments, each rail 66 and 68 may solely extend inwardly into the cell 18. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first rail 66 and the second rail 68 may be vertically spaced, parallel relationship to the first rail 50 and the second rail 52, respectively. The first rail 66 and the second rail 68 may be positioned on top of the first side panel 12 and the second side panel 14, respectively. For example, if the tier 22 b is the top tier of the system 10, then the first rail 66 and the second rail 68 may be positioned on top of the first side panel 12 and the second side panel 14, respectively.

The first rail 66 includes a front end 70 and a back end 72 sloped in a direction from the back end 72 to the front end 70. Similarly, the second rail 68 includes a front end 74 and a back end 76 sloped in a direction from the back end 76 to the front end 74. In some embodiments, the slope of the first rail 66 and/or the second rail 68 may be at an angle of approximately 2 or more degrees from horizontal similar to the slope of the angle Θ of the lower panel 16, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, a portion of the first rail 66 and/or the second rail 68 may include a sloped portion and a level portion similar to the sloped portion 64 and the level portion 62 of the rail assembly 48 a.

In some embodiments, the first rail 66 and the second rail 68 of the rail assembly 48 b may not extend the length of the first and second side panels 12 and 14. For example, in some embodiment, the first rail 66 and the second rail 68 may be positioned at a distance D from the back ends 30 and 38 of the first and second side panels 12 and 14. The distance D may define a loading aperture 69, with the loading aperture 69 configured such that one or more containers 20 may be able to move (e.g., fall) from the second tier 22 b to the first tier 22 a when a user removes one or more containers 20 positioned at the front ends 28 and 36.

Rail assemblies 48 a and 48 b may be fabricated of any type of material having sufficient structural integrity to permit containers 20 to be stored in the modular shelf management system 10, while allowing for containers 20 to travel through the cell 18. For example, each rail 50, 52, 66, and 68 may be formed of material including, but not limited to, one or more metals, plastics, and wood. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rails 50, 52, 66, and 68 may be fabricated of any suitable low friction material. For example, they may be fabricated of a low friction synthetic material such as nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) to aid in the movement of one or more containers 20 on the rails 50, 52, 66, and 68, and thereby allow the angle of the rail assemblies 48 a and 48 b to be minimized. In one embodiment, the rails 50, 52, 66, and 68 may be provided with a low friction strip or insert secured to a base rail in a suitable fashion, such as by adhesive or fasteners. In other embodiments, the rails 50, 52, 66, and 68 may be formed with nodules or an edge to reduce friction. The shapes of the nodules may be include round, oval, square, rectangular or triangular and with a flat surface, rounded surface, or edged surface.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment wherein one or more rail assemblies 48 include a conveyor system 77 within the modular shelf management system 10 b. For example, in FIG. 8, the rail assembly 48 a includes the conveyor system 77 having a plurality of rollers 78 aligned along the rail 52 and following the slope of the rail 52 as discussed herein. The rollers 78 may aid in movement of one or more containers 20 along the rail assembly 48 a in addition to the slope of the rail assembly 48 a as described in further detail herein. In some embodiments, the conveyor system 77 may include a belt or a series of belts (not shown) positioned about the rollers 78. Containers 20 may be positioned on the belt with rollers 78 aiding in movement of the belt and containers 20 as containers 20 move along the rail assembly 48 a.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, in some embodiments, one or more rail stops 82 may be positioned on the front ends 54, 58, 70, and 74 of the rails 50, 52, 66, and 68, respectively. Rail stops 82 may be positioned on the front ends 54, 58, 70, and 74 to hinder further movement of the containers 20 during use. The rail stops 82 may be any size and shape configured to hinder movement of the containers 20 during use while providing enough area for a user to obtain one or more containers 20 from the modular shelf management system 10. The rail stops 82 are illustrated as oval and semi-circle within the Figures, however, it should be noted that the rail stops 82 may be any shape including triangular, rectangular, or any fanciful shape.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system 10 c wherein a container stop 84 is positioned at the front end 44 of the lower panel 16. The container stop 84 may be any size and shape configured to hinder movement of the containers 20 during use while providing enough area for a user to obtain one or more containers 20 from the modular shelf management system 10 c. The container stop 84 may be attached to the interior surface 42 of the lower panel 16. In some embodiments, the container stop 84 may extend from the first side panel 12 to the second side panel 14. Alternatively, a plurality of container stops 84 may extend from the interior surface 42 of the lower panel 16 on the front end 44. In some embodiments, one container stop 84 may extend from the first side panel 12 and another container stop 84 may extend from the second side panel 14 with the containers stops 84 spatially disposed in a face-to-face relationship to one another.

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a modular shelf management system 10 d having a single tier 22 with one cell 18. Similar to the system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the modular shelf management system 10 d includes the first side panel 12, the second side panel 14, and the lower panel 16 connecting the first side panel 12 and the second side panel 14 forming the cell 18. Containers 20 a-20 e may be loaded in the single tier 22 and positioned in contact with the rail assembly 48. When container 20 a is removed from the system 10 c, containers 20 b-20 e may slide from the back end 46 of the lower panel 16 to the front end 44 of the lower panel along the rail assembly 48 such that container 20 b may be positioned at the front end 44 of the lower panel 16. Another container 20 may then be loaded at the back end 46 of the lower panel. This process may be repeated for each subsequent container 20. Additionally, the modular shelf management system 10 c may increase storage and dispensing by increasing the number of cells 18 by addition and interconnection of additional first and second side panels 12 and 14. It will be appreciated that the additional side panels may be of a different configuration such that adjacently disposed cells are adapted to hold different types and sizes of product containers.

Thus, in accordance with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s), there has been provided a modular shelf management system that fully satisfies the objectives set forth hereinabove. Although the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) has been described in conjunction with the specific language set forth hereinabove, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the presently disclosed inventive concept(s). Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of the various components, elements, and assemblies described herein, as well as in the steps or the sequence of steps of the methods described herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed inventive concept(s). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular shelf management system, comprising: a plurality of side panels arranged in a parallel relationship, each side panel having a front end and a back end; at least one connecting member connecting the side panels in a way that a cell is provided between adjacent ones of the side panels; and a first rail assembly disposed in the cell for defining a travel path, the first rail assembly comprising: a first rail and a second rail spatially disposed in a parallel relationship to one another, each rail having a first end and a second end and sloped in a direction from the first end to the second end of the side panels, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second rails of the first rail assembly is fabricated of a low friction material.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second rail assembly defining a second travel path vertically spaced from the first rail assembly such that a first tier and a second tier is defined within the cell, the second rail assembly comprising: a first rail and a second rail spatially disposed in a parallel relationship to one another, each of the first rail and the second rail having a first end and a second end and sloped in a direction from the first end to the second end of the side panels, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second rails of the first and second rail assemblies is fabricated of a low friction material.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first rail assembly extends along the entire length of the side panels, and wherein the second rail assembly extends along a portion of the length of the side panels so as to define a loading aperture configured to receive product containers adjacent the second end of the side panels.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first rail and the second rail of the first rail assembly are vertically spaced from a lower end of each of the side panels.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second rail assembly defining a second travel path vertically spaced from the first rail assembly such that a first tier and a second tier is defined within the cell, the second rail assembly comprising: a first rail and a second rail spatially disposed in a parallel relationship to one another, each of the first rail and the second rail having a first end and a second end and sloped in a direction from the first end to the second end of the side panels, wherein at least a portion of each of the first rail and the second rail is fabricated of a low friction material.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein first rail extends from one of the side panels and the second rail extends from another side panel.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a container stop extending between the side panels.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the slope of the first rail and the second rail is at least 2 degrees from horizontal.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first rail and the second rail comprises a series of rollers.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the connecting member is a lower panel extending between the side panels.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the lower panel extends from the bottom of one side panel to the bottom of another side panel.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least two cells.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the cells are of equal size and shape.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the cells has a size that is different than the size of an adjacent one of the cells.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first rail and the second rail each have a horizontal portion disposed adjacent the first end of the side panels and a sloped portion extended from the horizontal portion toward the second end of the side panels.
 16. A modular shelf management kit, comprising: a plurality of side panels connectable in a spaced apart, parallel relationship, each side panel having a front end and a back end and at least one rail extending therefrom; and a plurality of connecting members for connecting adjacently disposed side panels in a way that a cell is provided between adjacent ones of the side panels with a pair of rails spatially disposed in a parallel relationship to one another, each rail sloped in a direction from the first end to the second end of the side panels, wherein at least a portion of each of the rails is fabricated of a low friction material.
 17. The kit of claim 16, wherein adjacently disposed side panels have at least two rails extending therefrom in a way that the cell provided between adjacent ones of the side panels has at least two pairs of rails spatially disposed in a parallel relationship to one another, each pair of rails being sloped in a direction from the first end to the second end of the side panels with one pair of rails being vertically spaced from another pair of rails such that a first tier and a second tier is defined within the cell, wherein at least a portion of each of the rails is fabricated of a low friction material; and wherein one rail of the side panel extends along the entire length of the side panels, and wherein another rail of the side panel extends along a portion of the length of the side panel.
 18. The kit of claim 16, wherein the rails are vertically spaced from a lower end of each of the side panels.
 19. The kit of claim 16, wherein each of the rails includes a series of rollers.
 20. The kit of claim 16, wherein the connecting member is a lower panel connectable to a lower end of adjacent disposed side panels. 